Doctors prescribe antidepressants to treat depression, typically in combination with psychotherapy. Many types of antidepressants are on the market, and while they can be quite effective, all have side effects. The precise side effects vary by brand and individual patient, but a few common generalities remain.
Side Effects of SSRIs
SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed type of antidepressant on the market; they affect serotonin levels in your brain. Side effects can include sleeplessness, drowsiness and erectile dysfunction.
Side Effects of Atypical Antidepressants
Atypical antidepressants, which physicians typically prescribe when SSRIs fail, target neurochemicals other than serotonin, such as dopamine. They can cause sleep difficulties, nausea, exhaustion and unexplained weight gain.
Withdrawal Symptoms
When you stop taking antidepressants, you must do so gradually to avoid symptoms of sudden withdrawal, which can include mood swings, nausea, insomnia, stomach pains and even suicidal thoughts.
Suicidal Thoughts
In a very small percentage of patients, antidepressants can increase the risk of suicide during the early stages of treatment. Doctors monitor patients very closely for warning signs.
Side Effects of Older Antidepressants
Antidepressants such as MAOIs and tricyclic antidepressants have many of the same side effects as their newer counterparts, but because they are less refined, the side effects can be more severe.
Tags: Side Effects, side effects